Category: cleaning

How to Remove Stains from your Hardscapes in Vienna VA

Stains happen – so how do you remove stains from your hardscapes in Vienna, VA?

Before we get started, here are some general stain removal tips:

  • Always have a blue bottle of Dawn dishwashing soap on hand – you’ll need it for most stains – and be generous with it.
  • Some stains need warm water, some need cold.
  • Always rinse the area well with water.
  • Follow all safety directions, including protective glasses and gloves.
  • Do not add bleach to either dishwashing liquid or ammonia; this could create a deadly poisonous gas.

Food, grease, oil, and lipstick

  • Make a solution of dishwashing detergent and warm water.
  • Using a stiff brush, work the solution into the stain – or if it’s a bigger stain, use a stiff broom.
  • Rinse well with clean water.
  • If the spot is still there, add some ammonia to the dishwashing detergent and water solution, and repeat cleaning with a stiff brush.
  • Rinse well again.
  • If there is still some stain left, scrub with some mineral spirits.

Paint and candle wax

  • Using a butter or putty knife, remove as much paint or wax as you can
  • Scrub the area with a metal-bristled brush and cold water.
  • Rinse well with clean water.
  • If there’s still a stain, rub mineral spirits on the area.
  • If the stain is on concrete and these treatments don’t work, try aluminum oxide abrasive or an abrasive brick. (Remember, this is just for concrete.)

Blood, coffee, juice, feces

  • Remove the stain as soon as possible – don’t let it set it.
  • Make a solution of dishwashing detergent and cold water.
  • Using a stiff brush or broom, work the solution into the stain.
  • Rinse with clean, cold water.

Efflorescence

  • Using a wire brush, scrub the area to remove the white stain.
  • If this doesn’t work, contact Premier Paving & Planting, and we will advise you on next steps.

For more information about hardscapes in Vienna, VA, please contact the experts at Premier Paving. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. provides free estimates, and delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation and maintenance of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures. NCMA and ICPI certified, Premier Paving is licensed and insured, and carries an A+ rating from Angie’s List.

Should You Be Cleaning the Brick Pavers at your Arlington VA Home?

Yes – you should absolutely be cleaning the brick pavers at your Arlington VA home. Cleaning the pavers will help to maintain the beauty, integrity, and safety of your hardscapes.

There are 5 steps in deep cleaning brick pavers:

  1. Sweep your brick pavers on a regular basis, and always sweep immediately before you clean your pavers with water. A broom with stiff bristles will do the best job.

  2. After sweeping, remove any loose bits of paver before washing with water – you don’t want those bits flying during washing or rinsing.

  3. Power washing is the preferred method to clean brick pavers; however, if you don’t have the experience to judge the proper strength of water to use – you best leave the power washing to the experts. (When using a power washer, follow all directions, especially those pertaining to safety precautions.)

  4. Scrubbing brick pavers by hand is a safe bet, as long as you wear gloves and eye protection. If you have mold, mildew, slime or deep staining, you will need to mix a 10-percent solution of chlorine bleach to water, and scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush. Afterwards, you need to rinse the brick thoroughly with clean water.  If you only have dirt and minor staining, scrubbing your brick pavers with a milder cleaning solution of one tablespoon of borax per gallon of warm water will do.

  5. Sealing your brick pavers is the final step. This will help keep the brick pavers in their best condition between deep cleanings, and will make it easier to do quick clean ups along the way.

If you have questions or concerns about your brick pavers in Arlington VA please contact the experts at Premier Paving & Planting. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. delivers a full compliment of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures.